In China & Vietnam, the beginning of every year falls between late January and early February, and is marked by an animal sign of the Chinese & Vietnamese zodiac that is repeated every twelve years. Each year is given a different animal sign as a way of counting the years. The years are scheduled according to the lunar cycles of the moon as compared to the solar-based calendars of the West. Since 1911, the Vietnamese have adopted the solar calendar and use it alongside the lunar calendar for holidays. Many Chinese & Vietnamese calendars have both solar and lunar dates printed on them.